Celtic fan facing offensive behaviour charges allowed to games
27 year old Ross Brady, who is accused of displaying an offensive banner and blow up figures, has had strict bail conditions lifted
A Celtic fan charged with displaying an allegedly offensive banner and blow up figures at the recent Old Firm match has been allowed to return to football games.
27 year old Ross Brady is accused of a single charge under the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications Act.
Strict bail conditions imposed last month stopping him from attending matches were removed at a pre-trial hearing and he was granted bail on the standard conditions, but with the added condition he must pay £800 to prove he will be of good behaviour.
The trial which was originally set for this month, has been adjourned until March next year.
Prosecutors claim - that while acting with others - Brady did commit the offence at the Parkhead clash on September 10 which Celtic won 5-1.
It includes the claim that Brady did "engage in behaviour" which may be likely to "incite public disorder".
This is said to involve the display of a banner that contained a "threatening and offensive remark".
The charge also states two "inflatable figures" were shown which were "fashioned in a threatening and offensive manner".
Brady, from Pollok, Glasgow pled not guilty through his lawyer when he appeared from custody at Glasgow Sheriff Court last month.
Sheriff Andrew Cubie granted bail with a number of special conditions including banning him from football matches and ordering him to sign in at a police station during the first half of Celtic’s European games.
Lawyer Neal McShane told the court that on the last occasion, the sheriff imposed the stringent conditions if prosecutors were able to bring the matter to trial within a short space of time.
He argued that because that isn’t possible, the special bail conditions should be removed.
Bail was granted to Brady on the standard conditions but with the extra condition that he must pay £800 within seven days to prove he can comply.
Sheriff Mungo Bovey QC told him if he complies with the bail order he will get his money back and said: “If you don’t comply then you lose it automatically.”